Rasa Taal: Emerging tourist gem in Sunsari

KATHMANDU: Rasa Taal, located in Ramdhuni Municipality–7 of Sunsari, is rapidly becoming a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists.

Nestled within natural beauty, surrounded by a wide expanse and dense four-cornered shrubs, the tranquil lake sees a steady stream of visitors daily.

Unlike other lakes, Rasa Taal offers a unique experience with scenic views and all-day fishing facilities, making it a prime attraction.

Visitors come from Dharan, Itahari, Biratnagar, Dhankuta, Birgunj, and even from various parts of India.

The area is particularly suitable for picnics, with infrastructure in place to accommodate up to 145 groups at a time.

During peak season, daily footfall reaches 8,000–10,000 visitors, while in the off-season, 200–300 tourists still frequent the site, according to Bhim Bahadur Majhi, secretary of the Rasa Taal Management Committee. Most tourists visit during Mangsir, Poush, and the Vaisakh–Jestha months.

Covering 61 hectares under the Community Forest Users Group, the lake itself spans around eight hectares.

Since 2014 (2071 BS), it has been developed as a model tourist site through local initiatives, linked with national figure Iman Singh Chemjong.

In 2020/21 (2077/78 BS), the Koshi Province Ministry of Tourism allocated Rs 8 million for constructing a viewing tower, a statue of Iman Singh Chemjong, and fencing 29 hectares of the area.

Additionally, a cultural hub representing over 100 ethnic groups has been established, including a model monastery, cultural exhibitions, fairs, and a museum.

According to Secretary Majhi, visitors can fish from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM by paying a fee of Rs 300, and they are allowed to take their catch home, sometimes up to 10 kg per day. The lake houses seven fish species, including Kamalkar, Grass, Rahu, and Noni.

Tourists can also enjoy boating, while a mini-zoo features rabbits, peacocks, monkeys, and crocodiles. To enhance the lake’s appeal, a small island has been constructed at the center for Rs 1.5 million, connected by three wooden bridges.

Environmental beauty has been further enhanced by planting Sal and Siris trees, rare in the Terai region. The main entrance and a treehouse offering panoramic lake views were constructed at a cost of Rs 2.5 million.

Annual revenue from picnics and boating ranges from Rs 600,000 to 700,000, which is reinvested in lake conservation and infrastructure development.

Local businesses, including snack stalls and other shops, have thrived with the increasing tourist influx.

However, some infrastructure remains incomplete due to budget constraints, prompting the need for further investment from provincial and local governments.

The Rasa Taal Management Committee emphasizes that with proper conservation and development, Rasa Taal has the potential to serve as a significant driver of economic prosperity while establishing itself as a key tourist destination in the region.